SOUTH PORTLAND — The Green Independent Party has a new candidate in the state House District 33 election.
Former Green Party nominee Robert Klotz, of Whitehall Avenue, withdrew his candidacy in early July. He was replaced at a recent caucus of the South Portland Green Independent Committee by Andrew Reddy, of Church Street.
Klotz, a physician assistant and prominent member of local tar sands opposition group Protect South Portland, said Monday he was “always a placeholder” for the Green Party in District 33. He said he expected to withdraw once the party found a willing candidate.
“I just don’t have the personal capacity and wherewithal to hold a campaign, and I hoped someone else would step up,” Klotz said.
Klotz said he believes Reddy is a “great candidate.”
Reddy has been a social studies teacher at Biddeford High School for 16 years, and said in a press release he “hopes to provide voters in the 33rd District with an alternative viewpoint.” He has been involved with the Green Party since 2012.
In addition to concerns about sustainable and renewable energy, he said he supports South Portland and the state passing “a sound, sensible policy for marijuana decriminalization” that “seeks to eliminate lengthy jail sentences that target victims based on race and socioeconomic status.”
Reddy will be on the Nov. 4 ballot along with Republican candidate Kevin Battle and Democratic candidate Rosemarie De Angelis.
District 33 includes neighborhoods west of Main Street and north of Broadway, up to Tanner Street. Prior to redistricting, it was House District 124.
Four-term Rep. Bryan T. Kaenrath, D-South Portland, cannot seek re-election in the district because of term limits.
Shelby Carignan can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or scarignan@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @shelbycarignan.
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